MUMBAI: 3rd July 2025: India’s major seaports are getting ready to serve as the foundation for the nation’s green energy shift. The Indian Ports Association and RMI recently released a report stating that six ports—Deendayal, Paradip, V.O. Chidambaranar (VOC), Cochin, Mumbai, and JNPA—are at the forefront of the competition to become green hydrogen export and bunkering hubs. Their strategic location, industrial capacity, and increasing policy support all contribute to the success of these ports.
These ports will attract over ₹1.5 lakh crore in investments, power domestic clean energy ecosystems essential to the steel and automotive industries, and enable India to export fuels like methanol and ammonia to Europe and East Asia, the report says.
“Our ports are evolving from transit points into green hydrogen hubs,” said Vikas Narwal, Managing Director, Indian Ports Association. “This isn’t just about adapting; it’s about leading.”
Gateway to Green Growth
Indian ports could set the standard for the green hydrogen economy globally with the correct infrastructure and policy support. According to the report, these ports will serve as the cornerstone of an export-oriented, scalable fossil fuel substitute, assisting India in reaching its 2070 net-zero targets and supplying energy for emerging industries.
The government has already allocated over 4,500 acres across these ports to developers interested in hydrogen production. Industrial clusters located nearby — including fertilisers, petroleum, and chemicals — provide natural demand anchors, making these hubs viable for both export and domestic use.
East Serves Asia, West Eyes Europe
Paradip and VOC ports are best positioned to supply hydrogen derivatives to Japan, Singapore, and South Korea, while Deendayal, JNPA, Cochin, and Mumbai can serve European markets, which aim to import 10 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually by 2030. India’s low-cost renewables, shorter shipping distances, and favourable policies give it a competitive edge over rivals like Egypt or Namibia.
Where Industry Meets Opportunity
Paradip Port in Odisha benefits from IOCL’s 15 Mt/y refinery and fertiliser plants like IFFCO and Paradeep Phosphates. The state has approved its green hydrogen policy and attracted developers like ReNew and ACME.
Cochin Port sits adjacent to BPCL’s 15.5 Mt/y refinery, Kochi’s LNG terminal, and FACT’s fertiliser operations. Tamil Nadu’s VOC Port, though lacking major refining infrastructure, has allocated over 200 hectares for hydrogen projects and boasts strong wind energy potential.
Gujarat, despite not having a formal policy, leads in land commitments by earmarking over 1,600 hectares near Deendayal Port. Companies like RIL, Greenko, and L&T are already active, with the Mundra LNG terminal and IFFCO’s units nearby.
In Maharashtra, no land has yet been allocated by ports, but JNPA and Mumbai Ports are surrounded by industrial giants like BPCL, HPCL, RCF, and Deepak Fertilisers. The state has approved its hydrogen policy, and players like NTPC Green and Avaada are exploring opportunities.
Policies Diverge, Momentum Builds
States are at varying stages of readiness. Odisha and Maharashtra have notified green hydrogen policies, while Tamil Nadu and Kerala are in the process. Gujarat has focused on land rather than legislation. This fragmented policy landscape underscores the need for coordinated national planning around port-based hydrogen clusters.
Shared Infrastructure, Shared Risks
The report identifies key gaps in infrastructure. Chief among them is the absence of common user infrastructure (CUI) — intra-port pipelines, shared storage tanks, desalination plants, and ammonia bunkering systems. Without shared systems, project costs escalate and financing becomes difficult.
Repurposing existing infrastructure can help. Retrofitting LNG terminals in Kochi and Mundra for ammonia exports could save up to ₹8,000 crore compared to building new terminals. Greenfield terminals may cost ₹21,000 crore, while retrofits could range from ₹12,500 to ₹12,500–₹14,700 crore, depending on timing.
Underutilised ammonia pipelines and tanks, especially at ports like Cochin and JNPA, can also be reused to lower capex and speed up deployment.
Powering Clean Mobility and Industry
India’s hydrogen strategy is closely tied to decarbonising mobility and manufacturing. As the automotive sector looks to clean up supply chains and logistics, port-based hydrogen hubs could support fuel cell vehicles, electric freight corridors, and hydrogen refuelling.
The steel and fertiliser sectors — among India’s largest emitters — are also expected to drive early hydrogen demand. Ports located near these industries can act as low-cost supply bases.
Global Playbook, Local Action
To build momentum, the RMI report recommends identifying anchor demand clusters around ports and offering long-term land leases, along with tiered access models for producers and users. Establishing desalination plants will also be crucial for ensuring water availability for electrolysis.
India can draw lessons from pilots like Australia’s port-to-port green corridors and Singapore’s ammonia bunkering initiatives to shape its hydrogen export frameworks.
“Ports are no longer just gateways to trade — they are launchpads for India’s green industrial revolution,” the report concludes.
